“We Turned Out OK”… But Did We Really?
The uncomfortable questions many of us raised in strict homes need to be asked. “We turned out okay.” It’s probably one of the most common responses when people question strict parenting. Someone talks about how growing up in a strict household affected them, and immediately someone says: “But look at us. We turned out fine.” […]
When Love Feels Like Control: A Letter to Both the Parent and the Child
“I only want what’s best for you.” If you’re a parent, you’ve probably said those words. If you’re a young adult, you’ve probably heard them. The heartbreaking thing is… both people usually mean well. One is trying to protect. The other is trying to breathe. And somewhere in the middle, the relationship starts to crack. […]
Sex Education – If You Don’t, Someone Else Will
Let’s be honest. For many parents, talking to their children about sex ranks somewhere between public speaking and a trip to the dentist on the list of things they’d rather avoid. It’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable. It can feel embarrassing. Many of us weren’t raised in homes where these conversations happened naturally, so when it’s our […]
How Well Do You Know Your Teenager?
“I don’t know what’s happened to them.” It’s a phrase I hear from parents all the time. “My daughter used to tell me everything.” “My son used to be so affectionate.” “They’ve changed.” And they’re absolutely right. Your teenager has changed. The problem is that many parents haven’t changed with them. Somewhere along the way, […]
It’s Never Too Late: What My Relationship With My Dad Taught Me About Connecting With Our Children
I met my father for the first time when I was almost an adult. My parents separated when I was 1 year old. I grew up in a home filled with love, raised by an incredible single mother alongside my siblings. For most of my childhood, my dad was simply a name. A distant figure. […]
When Your Teen Stops Talking: It’s Not Silence… It’s a Signal
There’s a moment many parents describe with a kind of quiet sadness. My teenager used to tell me everything; now they don’t talk to me anymore. You remember the child who talked like a broken radio that never switches off. You blink? Now you’re parenting someone who answers in as few words as possible. “Fine.” […]
The World Got a Superstar. But Did Michael Jackson Have a Childhood?
I watched a documentary about Michael Jackson recently. Like many people, I’ve also watched documentaries about athletes such as Rafael Nadal and the Williams sisters. Different industries. Different families. Different journeys. Yet one theme kept emerging. Greatness often comes with a cost. Not just for the individual who achieves it, but often for the child […]
The Best Gift You Can Give Your Children Might Be Looking After Yourself
As parents, we wear so many hats. We are chauffeurs, cooks, counsellors, cheerleaders, homework supervisors, event planners, and somehow we’re also expected to build careers, maintain relationships and keep the house functioning. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, one person quietly slips to the bottom of the priority list. Us. On a recent […]
Your Teenager Doesn’t Need Just a Parent.
They Need a Parent, Mentor… and Coach. Parenting teenagers can feel like trying to hug a cactus sometimes. 🌵 One minute they want independence. The next minute they can’t find their PE kit, charger, or common sense. And somewhere in the middle of the eye rolls, closed bedroom doors, and “I’m fine” responses… Many parents […]
Teenagers and Exams: Supporting Success Without Losing Your Child
There’s something about exam season that changes the atmosphere in a home. The tension rises. Everyone becomes a little more sensitive. Conversations become loaded. Parents start asking more questions. Teenagers start giving shorter answers. And suddenly, it can begin to feel like the entire worth of a child is hanging on a few letters on […]